Faire Survival 101
1. Get plenty of rest.
The day starts at 7:40 am and ends about 6:30. It’s a long day if you’ve had plenty of rest, but it’s even longer if you haven’t had enough sleep. Lack of sleep can impair reaction time and affect your ability to adapt to changing situations. After a long day your body needs rest to recover and repair overworked muscles. Without proper sleep you will suffer even more fatigue on the second day.
2. Drink plenty of water. Bring Gatorade.
A body needs 8 cups of water on an average day. When in the sun and working out, your body needs even more. Stay hydrated! Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness and furthers muscle fatigue. Gatorade provides electrolytes and it has been my experience that it makes a difference in maintaining your energy level, especially on hot days.
3. Eat properly.
If all you do is walk around the faire, you are still walking for around seven hours. Your energy level will last longer if you eat health snacks and make sure to get protein. Sweets are good for a quick boost, but you would have to eat them all day and that can lead to an upset tummy.
4. Dress in layers.
The weather can go from freezing cold to uncomfortably warm all on the same day. With layers you can put on and take off as needed. If you are wearing mostly white, it’s also good to have a cloak in case it rains.
5. Protect your feet.
Whether it’s rain, dew, soggy mud or too much time at the well, wet feet make for a miserable day. Tent spray can be used on your leather boots to make them more water resistant (do this at least 24 hours before.) Always bring extra socks. You also need to add arch support and padding to your shoes. The ground is made of asphalt, lime rock and hard packed earth. If you are wearing moccasins or slippers you need to have Dr. Scholes (or your preferred brand). With the extra support your feet will be less tired by the end of the day.
6. Stretch/warm up.
Stretching not only helps your muscles get ready for a long day of moving around, it also helps you to relax before performing. Remember to also warm up your voice. You will be engaged in street scenes, improv scenes, cheering on the chessboard and delivering lines to hundreds of people.
7. Use the “buddy” system
Thousands of people visit the faire each day – most of them are nice, some are odd and a few you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. The best way stay safe is to stick to the busy streets within site of fellow TGP members and merchants. Some actors use the back paths to avoid the busy streets, especially when in a hurry. Do this sparingly and always do it with a buddy. Minors should be with at least one “buddy” over the age of 18 every time they leave the greenroom.
Faire Survival Pack
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Dishware that looks period so we can eat with the patrons
Multiple pairs of socks
A laundry basket or some equivalent for your stuff in the green room
A chair or blanket to sit on in the green room
Cash
Extra laces (if laces are part of your costume)
Small snacks - ex. granola bars, cheese sticks
Cough drops
Mints/Minty life savers
Any medication you think you might need.
Safety pins, sewing kit, scissors
Hairbands
Handy warmer/camping warmers (Brands like Hot Hands)
Parking pass
Fleece blanket
Chapstick
Dishware that looks period so we can eat with the patrons
Multiple pairs of socks
A laundry basket or some equivalent for your stuff in the green room
A chair or blanket to sit on in the green room
Cash
Extra laces (if laces are part of your costume)
Small snacks - ex. granola bars, cheese sticks
Cough drops
Mints/Minty life savers
Any medication you think you might need.
Safety pins, sewing kit, scissors
Hairbands
Handy warmer/camping warmers (Brands like Hot Hands)
Parking pass
Fleece blanket
